Chapter
"What a Feeling"
Chi Chi didn't see Junior much for the next few days, and she actually found it to be quite a shame. There wasn't a movie night to be had—and even Gohan was absent quite frequently. If he wasn't helping Dende at Porunga's Post, then he was assisting Junior in preparations for his match with Vegeta. Her place was almost starting to feel lonely.
Dende still visited her on his lunchbreaks, however, but Nail was always soon to arrive with his pissy attitude. Chi Chi would leave whenever he arrived—she had something planned for him, anyways, and she didn't really want to deal with him until then. Chi Chi was many things, and a sore loser was definitely one. She was going to stuff the stupid Namek's words right back in his big green face.
The day that the talent show finally arrived, Chi Chi was ordered by Bulma to dress in something nice. Chi Chi had argued that there was no way in hell she was wearing something nice while she was working in the kitchen, but Bulma had fought with her on it, even ordering a few Capsule Corp workers to come take her place.
It was stupid.
So now she was standing here, in a long purple dress, with gold flowers repeating down the sides. Bulma seated her at a table closer to the stage, whispering in her ear about how the night was going to proceed.
"Where's Gohan?" Chi Chi had asked, but Bulma had waved her off.
"He's helping Junior still—it'll be all right, just trust me?"
And really, Chi Chi didn't know if she did. She nervously glanced around, where she could see customers seating themselves, or being served food by the strange men that Bulma had called in. The blue haired woman was chattering into an earpiece, face a glowing red as she ordered people around.
Nail and Dende soon entered, and Bulma immediately directed them to Chi Chi's table, where the duo sat—the taller one with some chagrin. Bulma immediately appeared, glasses of water in hand which she hastily slid to the Namekians, before taking off once more.
"I'm excited to see Junior," Dende enthused, smile nervous as he appeared to be placating Nail, who gave a derisive snort in turn. He jerked his head to the side, and Chi Chi gave him a narrow eyed glare. She wished someone else was here with her—she liked Dende, but she didn't know him all that well, and having Nail present cut pretty much all contact completely short.
Chi Chi watched as Bulma sprinted to the stage, where the lights quickly came to rest on her, highlighting her blue hair and beautiful figure.
"Welcome, esteemed customers, we're glad that you call could make it tonight!" Bulma waited for a moment, allowing the polite applause to die down. "As you probably know, I'm Bulma Briefs, soon to be the head of the Capsule Corp company. And tonight, we're putting on a show for you—so we hope you enjoy it." She winked, before stepping to the side, just a bit. "For our first act, we have a young Namekian performer by the name of Junior! Please welcome him, and make him feel right at home!"
She exited the stage then, clapping along with the crowd. Chi Chi was impressed by Bulma's natural grace. It shouldn't come as a surprise that the woman had no qualms about standing in front of a crowd, yet it was another thing to see it in action. It was hard to equate the obnoxious friend with her this other woman.
Then Bulma gave her the cheesiest grin coupled with a thumbs up, and Chi Chi had to laugh. Definitely Bulma.
She shifted her eyes to the stage, where Junior was appearing. Nervously, she bit her lip, as she could tell immediately that he was uncomfortable. The suit that he was wearing fit—which she supposed was due in some part to Bulma—but he looked all wrong in it. It wasn't sweatpants and a surly look, and she didn't like it.
Around the room, though, she could hear appreciative murmurs. She supposed he did look quite handsome… he had a mask on over his face, a cheap, flimsy thing, but it covered enough. His antennae were covered by a black hat, with a red sash tied around it to match his cummerbund. The suit itself was a nice, crisp black with coattails that rode down to the middle of his thighs, and his large hands were covered with white gloves.
He shifted on his feet, but she felt his gaze slide to her. He paused for a moment, before straightening his back out, and nodding.
He began with a few simple card tricks, asking people at the front of the audience to choose one. She had to suppress a smile behind her hand as she watched him struggle to pretend to care. His voice remained flat and monotone, which she was actually grateful for. Any dramatic flourish and she would have been certain that Bulma had hired a replacement Namek for him.
Behind her, she could hear Dende clapping enthusiastically, and Nail a little less so.
"I'll pull a rabbit out of this hat," Junior stated, pulling off his hat. He set it down on the covered table beside him. He shoved a hand into it, muttered something completely unintelligible, and jerked upwards.
Chi Chi gasped along with the audience as Gohan emerged, face lit up in the biggest grin as he waved to the audience.
"You're not a rabbit," Junior snarled, and it was almost convincing if—well, if he'd been anyone else. She did hear laughter and a few 'awws' from the crowd, though, as Gohan cheekily stuck his tongue out at Junior, and was promptly stuffed back down.
Chi Chi was beaming. Her little boy up on stage, looking absolutely perfect. She knew he'd been helping Junior, but she hadn't thought he'd be a part of the act. It had been precious—wonderful. She was still up on cloud nine as Junior replaced the hat on his head, and wheeled the table away, in favor of bringing out a giant cabinet with swinging doors.
"For this one," Junior rumbled, "I'll need a gorgeous assistant." The words were stated so plainly, Chi Chi snorted—though she did notice quite a few women got excited about the prospect. He swept his gaze out across the crowd, before pointing at Chi Chi.
She blinked.
"Wha?"
Intelligence was never really Chi Chi's most shining feature.
Slowly, she stumbled to her feet, heels clicking up the stairs, as she clutched her dress around her legs. She could see Bulma up by the front, smiling in a knowing way, and Chi Chi wanted to hurt her friend so badly. This is why she'd been told to dress up and banned from the kitchen—what shit!
And there was Junior, with an actual grin on his face as he regarded her. Flaring her nostrils, she glared up at him, cheeks burning a fiery red as he motioned for her to get in the box. Gulping, she clambered in, tucking her knees up around her.
"Purple's a good color on you," Junior whispered, and she felt her stomach tie itself in knots as he chuckled and backed out. "I'm now going to make this woman disappear." Junior shut the doors then, and Chi Chi panicked. What the hell? She wasn't prepared for this! What was she supposed to do!
Beneath her, she heard a light noise, and noticed a door being slid back. Jerking upwards, she stared down into the darkness, where owlish eyes blinked up at her.
"Hurry and slide out, mom." It was Gohan, keeping his voice low as she slid down through the trap door. "Hey," he greeted, and she could barely see a hint of white from his smile. "Trap door—pretty neat, huh? It's how we did that hat trick, too!" Still beaming, he crawled up through the hole above her as she sat beneath the stage, hearing the sounds of the crowd above her.
As Gohan closed the door, she pressed her ear up close to the ceiling.
"What the—," Junior's voice snarled. "Again with you? Get back in the box."
Laughter came pouring down to her ears. A few seconds later Gohan was sliding down, motioning for Chi Chi to climb back in. She clambered back into the box, and waited, mind spinning. She hadn't meant to get caught up in this—and now she was self-consciously swiping at her dress, attempting to make sure it still looked in order.
Light came pouring in as Junior opened up the box, and she could hear a roar of approval from the crowd. She attempted to get out, but paused as she felt silk against her skin. Junior held her shoulder and waist, pulling her out from the recesses. Her feet firmly hit the boards of the stage, and she wobbled for just a moment, glancing up where she could just barely see Junior's jaw line above her.
She gulped.
"Let's hear it for the assistant," Junior said, and applause came pouring down around her ears, and she could still feel the silk of Junior's glove resting lightly on her shoulder. Sucking in a deep breath, she felt him push slightly at her, sending her in the direction of the stairs so she could return back to her seat.
As she sat down, she watched as Junior took a few bows, before wheeling his box off stage.
Soon Gohan and Junior both appeared together, seating themselves at the table with Chi Chi and the others. She didn't like the way her heart sped up as she hastily dragged a water to her mouth, just so she had something to do. Why couldn't Junior have just gotten up there in his sweatpants? Why the nice fitting tux that hugged him in very unfortunate ways that were making others stare?
"You did wonderfully!" Dende cheered. "But is it okay for you to sit with your two assistants?"
Junior rolled his eyes. "If anyone was stupid enough to believe that it was real, then they deserve to get their heart broken." He glanced at Chi Chi. "You ok there, Milk? You're chugging that water."
"My water, at that," Nail griped. Chi Chi sputtered around the straw, and quickly wiped at her mouth.
"Oh, sorry about that…" she glanced nervously around. She had a revenge plan for Nail—but she couldn't collect her thoughts. Getting up and preparing for said plan would probably help. Chi Chi rose to her feet, muttering something about returning shortly, and shot into the kitchen.
Bulma plopped down in the seat that Chi Chi had vacated. She'd just announced Vegeta's turn on stage, and she was quite eager to see it.
"You did great, Junior," she said, and the Namekian made a grunting noise of acknowledgement. Sighing, she turned her gaze heavenwards. Was that all the men she knew were capable of? These little noises that amounted to absolutely nothing? Vegeta often had similar responses to her—grunt, me Tarzan, you Jane? —it was enough to drive a girl insane. To think she'd canceled on her hot date for him. More than once, at that.
On stage, Vegeta had finally arrived, sticks held in his hands. She whistled as she realized he'd shed everything but his spandex shorts. In front of him were two pots, crackling fire licking at the edges of them. The Saiyan stepped forward, dipping each end of his staff into a pot, allowing the flames to lap over them.
He raised it up, and somewhere backstage music began. It was deep and ominous, a heavy bass line of nothing but drums and chants. She didn't recognize it, but it made the hair on the back of her neck stand on edge. It sounded like war.
Vegeta's hands shifted, twirling the staff around him. The flames splashed across the stage, looking fluid as he spun around, allowing them to touch his skin if only for a brief moment. Bulma clapped her hands to her mouth, unable to look away. As close as they were she could feel the heat every time Vegeta swung out, feet shifting as he went into a new stance. His figure—always short and stocky to her—was now lithe as he went effortlessly into flips, pole still roaming around his body.
As the music reached its peak, Vegeta paused, back to the crowd. Her eyes traced every rugged scar that the flames lit up, as he dipped back, and slowly sunk the flame into his mouth.
Chi Chi watched the performance, surprised at the fact that Vegeta legitimately had done it. When he'd initially mentioned his fire-dancing challenge, she'd been extremely skeptical. Sure, the Saiyan hadn't really proven himself to be a liar, but she'd moreso attributed it to his ego speaking before his mind could actually follow.
The audience seemed to be enthralled, as did Bulma. The moment Vegeta finished, fire extinguished on his tongue, Bulma had rushed back behind the stage, supposedly to congratulate the small Saiyan. With the blue haired woman gone, Chi Chi crossed the restaurant to where everyone was seated, and plopped down two drinks in front of both Nail and Junior.
"One Coco banana smoothie, and one Mint to Be." Chi Chi stared at Nail, whose attention was solely focused on the cup that was now in front of him. Junior glanced up at her, expression barely readable through the mask.
Imperiously, she propped her hands up on her hip.
"Dende, if you want anything, there's now a Namek portion on the menu." She kept her glare on Nail.
Slowly, Nail drew the drink closer to his mouth, and took a sip.
"I made sure that there are absolutely no dairy products, and it all came from a vegan company—I used Capsule Corp connections to get it cheap and fast." She saw Junior took an appreciative sip from his. "I also had Bulma get ahold of a few Namek restaurants, and they all recommended these alien-safe tablets chocked full of Vitamin D that they put in their food, so as to boost your bodily functions."
She grinned, as Nail looked at her, stupefied.
Now that she'd gotten her revenge, she relaxed her shoulders, and dropped the haughty smirk. "Look. I don't know why you hate humans—I'm sure there's a reason. But you, Dende, and Junior are all customers here, and the customer's always right."
Nail sat for just a moment, before quirking the corner of his mouth up in her direction. "You put too much banana in. It's gross."
Chi Chi snarled down at him, but didn't press it. Instead, she sat next to Junior, glancing over.
"And yours? Is there anything wrong with it?" she prompted, a smile stretching across her face.
"No," Junior replied, giving her a toothy smirk. "It's perfect."
"You were amazing!" Bulma crowed, coming across Vegeta behind the stage. Her eyes latched immediately onto the myriad of scars that covered his dark skin, pink flesh rippling up at the edges as she watched. "I really didn't know if you were going to deliver!"
Vegeta snorted, raising his head haughtily. "Of course I delivered. I am a Prince of pure breeding. I knew it's hard for you plebeians to possibly—,"
Bulma snored loudly, and lulled her head to the side. "My goodness. Are you done with your monologue, Prince of all Buttholes?"
Vegeta spluttered indignantly. "How dare you!"
"Uh-huh." Bulma propped a hand up on her hip, and rolled one finger through the air. "Seriously, though, will you just take my compliment without the long-winded spiel? I got shit to do."
Vegeta pressed his lips into a thin line, and arched one of his eyebrows. "You are foolish to talk to me the way you do…" he hesitated. "But fine. I accept your gratitude."
"Good," she grinned, and slipped forward, throwing a hug around the surprised Saiyan. He was ridiculous—but he had managed to look kind of cool for approximately twenty minutes. Sure, it had been because he wasn't talking, but still. She would allow it.
"Woman," he grumbled. He didn't return the hug, yet she felt his tail wrapping casually over her hips, and she could feel herself beaming into his neck where she'd lodged herself. "Affection to a king is generally given down on one's knee."
Bulma chuckled, and pulled back, arms still loosely around his shoulders. "Oh? I didn't think you'd come so far as to ask for that."
There was a ten second countdown until a meltdown, as the Prince was left to process exactly what she meant. Her laughter was loud and pealing as he launched into a tirade against her, all anger and yelling while his tail fluffed up—but never moved.
"Relax," she chuckled. "I was only teasing. I know you don't do things like that."
"I've never had the chance to," Vegeta huffed, "not that the thought is completely intolerable, but—,"
"What?"
"What?"
Bulma stared down at Vegeta, and the man quickly pulled back, jerking his tail with him.
"Shut up, I'm leaving!" and he stormed out, leaving Bulma staring in a bemused fashion after him. She crossed her arms, and found she rather missed the warmth of his tail.
As customers filtered out, Chi Chi got up and began cleaning around the place. Bulma's workers had maintained dishes rather well, but now she still had to sweep and get chairs in order. Dende and Nail had left, while Gohan was asleep in one of the booths.
She began shifting one of the tables, and was startled by a large white hand descending beside her. Glancing up, she was greeted by Junior's green face.
"I'll help," he rumbled, and she gave a slow nod. They began shifting the table, the bars grating against the floor. Behind them, Gohan sat up with a dopey face, drool hanging from the corner of his mouth as he blinked blearily at the two.
"Sorry, baby," Chi Chi muttered, turning around. "I didn't think we'd wake you."
"S'fine, mom," Gohan's voice was thick with sleep, barely intelligible as he rubbed at his eyes.
"I've got him," Junior said, and Chi Chi stared at him as he went forward dipped down. Gohan had a lopsided grin as his arms extended, lacing around Junior's thick neck. "C'mon, kid, you did good today." His voice was soft and low, pitched just right to lull her baby back into sleep. And that's exactly what was happening. Gohan's little legs curled up, suit crumpling as he buried himself against Junior.
"I love you, Mr. Junior…" he whispered, and Junior tightened his grip. "You're like the best daddy ever…"
Chi Chi froze, watching Junior's face open up, brows slanting up as he regarded the boy with such love… she gulped, glancing down at her white knuckles where they gripped the table edge, and she heard Junior's footsteps go past her.
"I'll help once I come back down—that all right, Chi Chi?"
She felt visibly shaken as she nodded, praying to the gods that her face was at least somewhat neutral as she nodded up at him.
Because holy shit did she know this feeling—and it wasn't something she wanted.
Chapter
"Silly"
Both Bulma and Chi Chi sat at the local coffee shop, sipping despondently at drinks as they stared out the window. Each heaved a sigh, before glancing at the other.
"Problems?" Bulma prompted.
Chi Chi nodded, but waved a hand in front of her face. "You look like you're struggling, too. You can go first."
"Oh, same old, same old," Bulma airily tossed her head. "Pressure from business, stress of being a genius, Vegeta." Her lips pressed into a thin line. "I can't decide if I really like him or really want to punch him in his face. There are moments where he seems almost—nice? He's weirdly friendly with mom, and he helps me train… but then he's such an asshat! His monologue thing is so annoying, and he keeps breaking stuff dad's working on! Last night, we were working on this blaster gun for the military, then dumbass picks it up, drops it, breaks it, and blames us for making fragile things. Then he stole my cheese puffs! Like a bastard!"
Chi Chi snorted, stifling a giggle into her hand. "I'm sorry—but he's an incredibly difficult person. I have no advice—other than to ditch him on the side of the road."
"He's not a stray puppy," Bulma chastised, but she was smiling all the same. "And you?"
Chi Chi frowned, and sipped at her drink, face pensive as she stared at the table. "Well… it's just that… here lately, I find talking to Goku a… a chore?" Her friend nodded, waiting for her to continue. "I feel like, here lately, I could care less if he called me. Even Gohan doesn't seem to care as much. The other day I mentioned that Goku would have to cancel the call he'd promised, and Gohan just shrugged his shoulders and went running over to Junior's house."
Bulma bit her lip, and nodded, slowly. "I'm not surprised," she replied honestly. "You don't seem as if you really care for him anymore."
"Oh, it's not that!" Chi Chi huffed, waving her drink in an aggravated fashion through the air. "I do care about him I just don't—oh, feelings are complicated." She was griping pathetically, and really this wasn't even the heart of her problems. "The other day I—I found myself looking at divorce papers." The admission was rough, like sandpaper in her throat as she looked to a rather calm Bulma.
"Again, not surprised. An absent husband is just that, regardless of feelings." She shrugged her shoulders, and tipped her head to the side. "You don't even seem that emotional about it, I might add."
"When someone's gone for more than they're present…" Chi Chi's brow puckered, "then did they really leave you at all?" She stared at her cup, gazing helplessly at it like it held all the answers in the universe.
"Deep thoughts, deep thoughts," Bulma chuckled, reaching a hand across to place it calmingly against her friend. "I can tell you personally that divorce is no big deal."
Chi Chi sat still, before jerking forward, jostling the table and sending her drink flying. Bulma shouted in surprise, attempting to save her dress from flying liquids.
"Bulma?!" Chi Chi was too focused on the task at hand, though, and quickly grasped at her friend's shoulders. She looked like a maniac, and people were gaping at them, but she didn't care. "You've been married?!"
"Well—yeah?" Bulma blinked, dislodging herself from Chi Chi. "It's not that uncommon. I married when I was younger as a business plan, got the guy to sign over a bunch of money to us, and well…." She shrugged. "It wasn't one of love, that's for sure."
Chi Chi's jaw hung around her collar bone.
"Oh, c'mon, don't be like that, Chi Chi!" Bulma sighed, crossing her arms. "It's not my proudest moment, but I'd do anything for Capsule Corp. We needed the connections his company had."
"Jeez…" Chi Chi flopped back into her seat, slapping her hands to her face. "You're talking about it so calmly! Marriage is more than that!"
"Maybe to some people," Bulma snapped, planting her feet firmly. "To other's it's just something on paper. Not everyone views the world in such an old-fashioned way!"
Chi Chi gritted her teeth, and glared at the tile. "And do you… think Goku's one of those people?"
Bulma softened immediately, and sighed. "Chi Chi… how would I know? I only know the guy on TV. But from the way you talk about him… maybe he got married just for you. Do you understand what I mean?"
"I do." Chi Chi's voice was desolate. Her heart was sinking. She wanted to talk to Goku—but wouldn't he just want her to be happy? Wasn't that always his goal? Sure he was completely misguided, but… she sighed.
"Where's Gohan?" Junior had his hands stuffed in his leather jacket, scanning the empty restaurant. "I was going to take him up to the rooftop tonight."
"Oh, he's gone to Videl's," Chi Chi replied. The register was counted and everything was wiped down—she was ready to close up for the evening. She dropped the rag that she'd been using, and approached him, noticing his surly face.
"I thought he wasn't speaking with her?"
"Well," she laughed, "kids are fickle creatures. She called and apologized, so he went running right back over. They're so close, I'm sure he was just happy to have her back." She rounded the counter, patting him softly on the shoulder. "Sorry, big guy, but he won't be here. It's just lil' old me."
He snorted. "Fine then, grandma, do you want to come up?"
Chi Chi blinked. "Uh—what?"
Junior shrugged. "I set up the projector screen so Gohan and I could watch movies. He's not here, so why not? I did keep talking about a movie night with you."
"Glad to know I'm so high on your priorities," Chi Chi huffed, but gave him a wide smile. "Fine. I'll get the popcorn."
"Make me a drink."
"Seven fifty, sir, and a tip."
"Family and friend's discount?"
"Of course," Chi Chi hummed and tapped her chin. "Seven dollars flat, and a tip?"
Junior glared at her.
"Kidding there, green bean. What do you want, Mint?"
"Look at you," he smirked, "memorizing your regulars?"
"Yes, well, I have this one burly alien that just won't go away!" she gasped in an exaggerated voice, disappearing into the kitchen.
"Well, a spoilt jug of Milk keeps showing up on my doorstep."
"Very creative, at least a two out of ten!" Chi Chi's laugh rolled easily through the walls. "Pretty good for a Namekian. Now—instead of chit chatting, you could go ahead and start up the movie."
Junior grumbled, but he disappeared, making sure to call to her about the doors being unlocked. To herself, she smiled, listening to the pop, pop, pop of the microwave, as the drink machine whirred behind her. As sad as she was that Gohan was gone for the night, she couldn't help but be mildly grateful for once.
Flushing, she hurriedly snatched up her popcorn bag once it was finished, grabbed a six pack of soda, the plastic ring precariously hanging from her pinky finger as she held tight to Piccolo's mint drink.
She wobbled up the stairs, catching sight of Dende and Nail on the second story.
"Hi, Chi Chi!" Dende waved, and to her surprise, she received a curt nod from Nail. "Oh!" the littler one paused to cover his hands and giggle. "That's why he changed…"
"How pathetic," Nail droned, turning his nose up as he stared at the TV. "Though… I suppose it could be worse."
Chi Chi stared in confusion, before shaking her head. "I'm just… gonna head up now." She proceeded upwards, knocking open the door, reveling in the always beautiful sight of the night sky spreading high above her.
"Over here," Junior's voice reached her, and she turned, and blinked.
"Where's your sweatpants?" Chi Chi asked, staring in surprise at the jeans he wore. She watched as he swiped his palm against his thigh, pressing against the tight denim stretched across muscle. Even his regular frumpy shirt was gone, replaced by a better fitting one, though his jacket was still in place.
"Just—," he grunted, and crossed his arms. "Whatever. I spilled something on them. Can I have my drink now?"
She nodded mutely, and passed the cup over to him. He took a seat then, on newly acquired bean bags. There were two set up right in front of the brick wall that covered the stairs, where she could see a projector sat ready to play the picture.
"Have a seat," Junior muttered, and Chi Chi did just that, flopping down into her seat with an appreciative hum—totally not sneaking looks to the side where she could see fabric bunching up around Junior's muscular calves.
She hurriedly popped open her can, knocking down a few gulps. Junior clicked a button on the remote, and Chi Chi stared at the grainy film that appeared across the brick wall.
"The Wolfman…" she whispered it and didn't mean to, and received a knowing look from Junior.
"Seemingly normal, and then transforms into a terrible beast—I remember my assessment of you." He smirked.
Chi Chi stared. And my favorite movie… She bit her lip and stared at the screen, reaching her hand into the popcorn bag.
"Do you still feel that way about me?" she mumbled around her food, recognizing that she wasn't being lady-like but decided—who cared? What did Junior know about that?
Junior hummed, then shrugged. "About fifty-fifty," he admitted, before snarling in anger as popcorn was launched at his face. "Dammit, Milk—,"
"Yeah, yeah, Mr. McFang, I got it, you're all growly and scary." She rolled her eyes, and threw more popcorn at his face, bursting into laughter as he spluttered indignantly at one of the pieces getting caught on his lip.
"Very mature," he snapped, swiping at his lip. "Why don't you act your age, Milk?"
She scoffed. "Come off it, I'm not that old!"
"Practically ancient," Junior continued, voraciously grinning. "I worry every day you're going to break a hip."
"Hey Junior?" Chi Chi crept closer, and he gave her a baleful look. "I got somethin' for ya." He tilted his head, and she took the opportunity to flick his ear.
He yelped in pain, slapping his hand over the shell, glaring angrily at her. "I play your favorite movie, and this is what I get?" he snarled.
Chi Chi stopped, and grinned. "Oh? So you did pick it because it was my favorite?"
His face flushed a violent purple as he looked away. "Whatever… you wanted to have a movie night, and you're the whole reason I even talk to people anymore so…"
Chi Chi held up a hand. "It's fine, I won't make you talk anymore. Let's just watch the movie—it is the best after all."
Junior snorted, but didn't argue.
As the credits rolled, Chi Chi was dozing off, when her phone rang. Jumping, she hurriedly glanced at the caller ID, and was rather shocked. Sliding up the green icon, she pressed the phone to her ear.
"H-Hello, Goku?"
Junior started beside her.
"Hiya, Cheech!" his voice was so cheerful on the other side. So happy.
"What is it…?"
"Is Gohan around?"
"Ah—no. He's at his friend's house…"
"Aw, that's a shame. I guess I'll call back some other time!"
"Oh. Okay." Chi Chi couldn't help the wave of disappointment crash over her. She was distracted by Junior's large form appearing much closer to her, as he shook her arm. Blinking, she glanced down at him. "Wha—Junior!"
"Junior? As in… Mr. Junior? The one Gohan really likes?" Goku's voice was inquisitive, and she could practically imagine his furrowed brow and tilted head. "You're friends with him too, Cheech?"
"Yes, I—well, yes, I suppose I am friends with Mr. Junior…" She crinkled up her nose and stuck her tongue out at the Namekian, who insistently tugged at her again.
"Ask him if he's heard about our fight," Junior whispered.
Chi Chi frowned. "Hey—Goku… have you heard anything about a fight?"
"Krillin and 18's? Yeah! That's all Master Roshi talks about now—it's so boring. He won't take any more fights right now, since he's so focused on 18. She must be real strong for Roshi to care that much!"
Chi Chi cringed, and she saw Junior's ear twitched as he pressed closer to her phone.
"So that's the only fight?" Chi Chi asked, glaring at Junior's proximity. His cold cheek was pressing against her fingers.
"Yeah… Well, hey, since Gohan's not around, I guess I'd better get going!"
"Oh, Goku!" Chi Chi shouted it before she could stop herself. "I… I love you. And I miss you."
"Haha! Cheech, you're so silly! Tell Gohan I said hi!"
Click.
Chi Chi slowly lowered her phone, and her shoulders slumped forward.
"Milk…?"
A sob—oh God she was pathetic! She scrunched her nose up, heat building behind her eyes as she gulped for air. She was crying now, honest to God crying, snot dribbling from her nose as red hot tears spilled down her cheeks. Her whole body shook, rattling in place, before a nervous arm rested around her shoulders.
She hiccupped, and glanced upwards, catching sight of Junior's purple, nervous face.
"Uh—I don't know if this is helpful…?" he mumbled, looking so unsure of himself. Tears welled up even more as she leaned her back against chis chest, allowing his warmth and girth to surround her, falling into a miserable, shaking, unending misery as she sat there and cried.
Unending, at least, until it did.
She finally settled down, knuckles scrubbing against her puffy, swollen eyes. Behind her, Junior shifted, hesitantly.
"Milk…"
"I don't want to talk about it," she sniffed, and it was true. There was nothing to say. Junior had heard it all.
He sat there, rigid for a moment, before he rose, patting her head. She blinked, surprised by the action.
"I'll start another movie," Junior said, and Chi Chi stared at her lap.
"Thanks," she mumbled, lips coated in salt.
"No problem," he responded, fiddling with the projector. "I'm no stranger to bad feelings."
She snuffled, and then laughed. "You are the King of Surly."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Junior sniffed. "Now, dry it up, I don't want to hear you crying over…."
"No," she groaned.
"Spilled Milk."
"Oh my God, I hate you!" Chi Chi whined, dissolving into peals of laughter as she collapsed back onto her bean bag. "The literal worst."
This episode brought to you by: Bad puns - I love them.
Anyways, I'm sorry there was such a huge gap in between chapters! We were on vacation in Myrtle Beach. As always, you can talk to me over at my Tumblr, where there's plenty of Chiccolo headcanons and general blogging/talking.
Please review and let me know what you think~